UDAIPUR

Udaipur- City of Lakes

Surrounded by ancient mountains and set on the edge of the lakes. It is referred as city of Lakes, which make this city most Romantic city of India. Udaipur was founded in 1559 and named after Maharana Udai singh. The picturesque lakes offering fabulous view of the mountains make Udaipur a dream destination of every tourist. Lake Pichola, Udai Sagar Lake, Fateh sagar lake, Rajsamand lake and jaisamand Lake are the prominent lakes of Udaipur.

Places to visit:

City Palace: The city palace complex is the Jewel in the crown of Udaipur. The largest palace in Rajasthan, covering an area of 5 acres, actually a complex of several palaces built by 22 maharanas over a period of four centuries.

Jagdish Temple: The largest Hindu temple in Udaipur, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Lord of the Universe. Its intricately carved pillars and beautiful sculptures are fine examples of Indo-Aryan architecture.

Lake pichola and Fateh sagar lake: Lake pichola and fateh sagar Lake are the most popular Udaipur man-made lake. Enjoy a most scenic boat ride at Pichola Lake at sunset.

Saheliyon ki Bari Garden: Means Garden of the maidens. Garden has lush green lawns, Beautiful Lotus pools, Marble Pavilion and Elephant shape fountains. It is one of the most beautiful gardens.

Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar- a kingdom ruled by sisodia dynasty for 1299 years and like so many other cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur also comes with its own legend. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, while out hunting met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking Lake Pichola. He advised to Maharana to build his palace on that spot, where a shimmering stream flowed through a fertile valley. A most picturesque site indeed with a lake, an agreeable altitude nestled in an amphitheatre of low mountains. The Maharana did as he was told and gave the world a city we know as Udaipur. Overlooking the aquamarine lake Pichola stands the splendid City Palace- a marvel in granite and marble.

Originally there were eleven gates but now only five remain. The Suraj pol or the Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city.

While on a visit to Udaipur, do discover other attractions in its vicinity. The formidable Chittaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kubhalgarh, the beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur.

Places to visit In Udaipur

City Palace: A majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenulated walls, it is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the “Tripolia” with eight marble porticos. The Maharanas were weighed under the gate in gold, the equivalent amount of which was distributed among the populace. The Suraj Gokhada, the balcony of the sun, is where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves to the people in times of trouble to restore their confidence. The Mor Chowk knwn for its exquisite peacock mosaic in glass and the ‘Chini Chitrashala’ noted for its blue and white ceramics.

Jagdish Temple: The largest Hindu temple in Udaipur, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Lord of the Universe. Its intricately carved pillars and beautiful sculptures are fine examples of Indo-Aryan architecture. Built in 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh.

Saheliyon-Ki-Bari: This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountain in its four delightful pools, chiseed kiosks and marble elephants.

Fateh Sagar: A beautiful Lake, overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and the Paratap Memorial on the north was built by Maharana fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park-a lovely island with a boat shaped café accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.

Pichola Lake: The picturesque lake that entranced Maharana Udaii Singh. It was later enlarged by the founder. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. Two island palaces, Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (Lake Pichola) on the lake are of breathtaking magnificence.

Sajjan garh (Monsoon palace): Dominating the city’s skyline is the monsoon palace of Sajjan garh. It offers a panoramic overview of the city’s lakes, palaces and the surrounding countryside.